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What’s the best way to handle a nosy co-worker who is asking too many personal questions? I don’t know how to answer without sounding rude.

Dear Reader,

When you’re working with the same people every day, co-workers naturally start to become curious about one another. This isn’t unusual considering these are the people you spend most of your waking hours with.

How do you determine what type of Valentine’s Day gift to buy for your significant other? Does the gift depend on the length of the relationship? I’d appreciate your thoughts for some Valentine’s Day gift ideas. I struggle each year to get the sentiment right.

Dear Reader,

Valentine’s Day means different things to different people.

What you plan depends on how long you’ve been together and how serious the relationship is.

I am embarrassed to admit it, but I am terrible about writing thank-you notes. I am inconsistent about this basic rule of etiquette. I mean well, but I always end up putting it off or forgetting. When should you write a thank-you note? Or is this practice outdated?

My husband and I stayed with his brother and wife over the holidays. I am never sure what to do about host-hostess gifts when invited for an overnight stay with friends or family. Should I bring a hostess gift to my sister-in-law?

Dear Reader,

A good hostess will never expect anything in return, but a good guest should bring something.

I recently graduated from grad school and have accepted a position that will require me to wear business attire. I would like some tips on how to update my college wardrobe.

Dear Reader,

Congratulations on your new job! Trading in your jeans and T-shirts for professional clothes can be a daunting task. And for recent graduates without much money to spare, the process may seem expensive and overwhelming. To get started, search for bargains. Shopping at outlets can save you a ton of money. And pay close attention to special sales.

I had a friend on social media who got carried away with political posts, and I ended up blocking the person. At the time, I felt relieved. A couple of weeks went by and I forgot all about this. Then I ran into my “blocked” friend at the grocery store. I wasn’t sure if I should say hello or pretend I didn’t see the person. In the moment, I decided to give a slight nod and hurried out of the store. I realize blocking the person wasn’t the smartest way to handle this. Can you suggest a better way to handle Facebook friends who are so passionate in their opinions?

I started a new job several months ago and my manager complimented me on my first big project. I knew I did a good job but I said, “You really think so?” After the words came out, I realized that I totally devalued what I accomplished. I spent hours working on the project and knew I gave it my all. How do you accept a compliment so that you don’t dismiss your abilities or worse yet, look self-promotional?

Dear Reader,

For most people, giving a compliment is much easier than graciously accepting one.

I enjoy hosting holiday meals for friends and family. Weeks in advance, I plan the menu and coordinate all the details to ensure a lovely time. But every holiday I am confronted with the same question: What is the proper etiquette when you have friends over and they bring a bottle of wine? I never know what to do when I am greeted with a big smile and handed a bottle of wine. Is the wine a gift, or is the host obligated to open the wine that night? I would like to finally know what I am supposed to do.

I have two children ages 7 and 10, who will be spending time visiting extended family during the holidays. I am concerned. They are typical kids and sometimes have trouble remembering to use their manners. It would help if I could explain to them why they need to use manners and would be grateful for any tips to help.

Dear Reader,

During the holidays when children are consumed in the holiday excitement, it is extremely difficult for them to remember their manners. Preemptively practicing their manners beforehand will help.